Relief-valve.



wkn/moon A. B. BROWN` RELIEF VALVE'.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-24| 1914.

Patented Sept. 5, 1916.".

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Snom/vte@ Il TFL T ALVAN B. BROWN, OF GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR0F ONE-HALF TO CHARLES H. FIELD, OF GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN.

RELIEF-VALVE.

Application filed August 24., 1914. Serial No. 858,165.

To all whom t 'may concern Be it known that I, ALvAN B. BROWN, a citizenof the United States, residing at Grand Rapids, Michigan, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Relief-Valves, of which thefollowing is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in relief valves and particularlyto improvements in relief valves for spraying purposes.

It has been quite a common experience in the operation of relief valvesfor pressure pumps of sprayingapparatus to have these become inoperativeon account of clogging and the corrosive nature of the sprayingsolution.

One of the objects of this invention is to eliminate this objection.

The main objects of this invention are: First, to provide an improvedrelief valve of the plunger type in which the spraying solution cannotget back of the plunger and in which the barrel of the cylinder has asmooth wall without projections or ledges upon which grit or sedimentmight lodge to prevent the valve from closing. Second, to provide in arelief valve, an improved type of plunger, having a non-corrodiblepressure ring and an improved lubricating sleeve which effectivelylubricates the path of the plunger and prevents the spraying solutiongetting back of it. Third, to provide an improved relief valve of theplunger type in which the plunger operates merely to control the openingto the by-pass and in which the movement of the plunger is limited bystop means outside of the valve casing. Fourth, to provide an improvedrelief valve in which the spring is easily accessible and is located onthe outside of the valve casing and in which the spring 1s easilyadjustable and may be readily changed to substitute a stronger or weakerspring. Fifth, to provide an improved relief valve which is very simplein construction, in which the minimum number of parts are used and inwhich the parts are easily accessible and can be readily removed.Further objects, and objects relating to structural details, willdefinitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and meansdescribed in the following specication. The invention is clearly definedand pointed out in the claims,

Speccaton of Letters Patent.

Patented sept. 5, raie.

A structure which is a preferred embodiment of my invention is clearlyillustrated 1n the accompanying drawing forming a part of thisspecification, lin which:

Figure I is a side elevation of a structure embodying the features of myinvention. Fig. II is a detail View partially in longitudinal section ona line corresponding to line 2-2 of Fig. I. Fig. IIIfis a detail view ofthe valve plunger partially in longitudinal section on a lineVcorresponding to line 3-8 of Fig. II. Fig. IV is a detail vlew of amodified form of plunger partially in vertical section.

In the drawing, similarv reference characters refer to similar partsthroughout the several views, and the sectional views are taken lookingin the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section lines.

In spray pump structures relief valves are provided with by-passconnections leading back to the source of supply, so that'in the eventof the stoppage of the nozzle or the development of a higher pressurethan the nozzle is intended to work under, the surplus will be returnedby the by-pass to the source of supply. c

Considering the numbered parts of the drawing, the valve casing l iscylindrical in form and is provided with a by-pass 2 at one side and aninlet 8 at the bottom. The by-pass 2 connects with the cylinderv `lthrough the slot 20 which is considerably narrower than the diameter ofthe cylinder. TheV casing has the cap 4L threaded on the upper endthereof and having a bearing for the plunger rod 6. Plunger rod 6 isshouldered at 8, near its lower end, and the pressure ring 7 is disposedon the lower end of said plunger rod and abuts against the shoulder 8.This pressure ring mayy be made of any metal which is non-corrodible andis not a'ected bythe action of such solutions as are commonly used forspraying purposes. The nut r ,9, threaded on the end of the plunger rod6, clamps the pressure ring `2' against the shoulder 8. `A lock nut 9 isalso provided.

` On the portion 5 of the plunger rod above the shoulder 8, I provide alead ring or sleeve 10 in` which a plurality of holes 10 are drilled.These holes are spirally disposed, as shown in the drawing, and arepacked full of hard grease. The sleeve 10 is slightly smaller indiameter than the pres- Above the sleeve 10 is provided the expansiblepacking ring 11 and above this packing ring is disposed the washer 12against which the shoulder 14k of the plunger rod 6 abuts so as to clampsaid washer against the said packing ring 11. The nut 13 engages thewasher 12 to hold it in place. The lock nut 13 is also provided. Bytightening the nut 13, the ring 11 may be expanded as desired.

The pressure spring 15 is of the coil type, the outer end coil beingformed into an eye 16 embracing a stud 17 on the upper end of theplunger rod 6. The spring is connected to the casing by engaging itslower end coils with the lugs 18 disposed on the casing. The tension ofthe spring is regulated by turning the spring on these lugs to lengthenor shorten the eective part of the spring, as will be readily understoodby an inspection of the drawings.

Vashers 21, 21 are disposed on the plunger rod 6, resting on the top ofthe cap 4 and a stop pin 19 carried by the plunger rod G engages thesewashers to limit the downward movement of the plunger. rlhe pres- Surering 7 in its normal position is disposed just below the lower edge ofthe by-pass so that a very slight movement will open the by-pass torelieve Ythe pressure. In case the pressure ring 7 becomes wo-rn anddoes not close the by-pass fully when in its normal position, washers 21may be removed so as to allow the plunger to move farther down in thecylinder.

In Fig. IV, I have shown a vertical sectional view through a modifiedconstruction of plunger.` In the modification I arrange on the portion 5of the plunger rod above the shoulder 8 above the presure ring 7 aplurality 0f oil soaked packing rings 22, and above these oil soakedpacking rings an ex pansible packing ring 11. These packing rings areslightly smaller in diameter than the pressure ring so as to move easilywithin the cylinder. r1`he packing ring 11 is clamped in place by thewasher 12 and the nuts 13 and 13 as in the preferred construction of myplunger. t

Spaceoccupied by the sleeve 10 in the preferred form of the packingrings 22 in the modification is such that the expansible packing ring 11is always above the by-pass,

that is, it does not travel across the by-pass as the by-pass opens andcloses.

The pressure ring 7 fits tightly within the cylinder to prevent themixture passing between said pressure ring and the wall of the cylinder.The sleeve 10 is slightly smaller in diameter than the pressure ring 7as I are packed with grease, this sleeve prevents the spraying mixturefrom passing above the plunger.

rIhe opening tothe by-pass is a narrow slot 2O in lthe wall of thecylinder so that the maximum amount of bearing surface for the plungeris provided. The expansible packing` ring 11 effectively prevents any ofthe solution getting above the plunger and, as this packing ringreciprocates in a portion of the cylinder having an unbroken surface,the wear thereon is minimized.

The movement of the plunger under the infiuence of the spring 15 islimited by the engagement of the stop pin 19 with the top of the cap aor with the washers 21. This is outside of the valve casing andeliminates the necessity for any valve seats with which the end of theplunger engages to limit the movement thereof. When the plunger engagesthe valve seat, it is open to serious objection because of the fact thatgrit or sediment might lodge on the valve seat and hold the valve open.

Inasmuch as it is impossible for the spraying mixture to pass above theplunger, it is unnecessary to provide a packing gland at the end of thecylinder for the plunger rod. The cap l can be readily unscrewed to giveaccess to the parts so that the plunger can be easily removed tolubricate the same.

It will be apparent that I have produced a very simple structureconsisting of few parts, all of which are easily accessible and that Ihave produced a structure which is easily lubricated and in which thesurface exposed to the corrosive action of the spray ing mixture isreduced to the minimum.

Although I have shown and described my relief valve in connection with aspraying apparatus, it will be apparent that it is adapted for use withpressure pumps of any description.

I am aware that the particular form of my invention which I have heredescribed is susceptible of considerable variations without departingfrom the spirit of my invention and, therefore, I do not wish to berestricted to the same. I have found, however, that this form is to bepreferred and therefore, I desire to claim the same specifically as wellas broadly as indicated by my appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a relief valve, the combination of a cylindrical casing having aninlet at one end thereof. and a by-pass at one side, said bypasscommunicating with .said casing through a narrow slot formed in the side13o wall of said casing, a cap closing one end of said cylindricalcasing, a plunger rod having a bearing in said cap and provided with ashoulder adjacent one end thereof, a pressure ring of non-corrodiblemetal disposed on said plunger rod and clamped against said shoulder, alead sleeve disposed on said plunger rod above said pressure ring andprovided with a plurality of spirally disposed holes therein, said holesbeing packed with grease, said sleeve being slightly smaller in diameterthan said pressure ring, a packing ring of eXpansible material disposedupon said plunger rod above the said sleeve, adjustable means forclamping said expansible ring in place to expand it as desired, a stoppin carried by said plunger rod and adapted to engage said cap, to limitthe movement of said plunger, a coiled spring surrounding the end ofsaid plunger rod and said cap, with the end thereof engaging the end ofsaid plunger rod and a lug on said cap adapted to engage the other endof said coil whereby said plunger is normally forced toward the inlet insaid casing, all coacting substantially as described for the purposespecified.

2. In a relief valve, the combination of a cylindrical casing having aninlet at one end thereof and a by-pass at one side, said bypasscommunicating with said casing through a narrow slot formed in thev sidewall of said casing, a cap closing one end of said cylindrical casing, aplunger rod having a bearing in said cap and provided with a shoulderadjacent one end thereof, a pressure ring of non-corrodible metaldisposed on said plunger rod and clamped against said shoulder, a leadsleeve disposed on said plunger rod above said pressure ring andprovided with a plurality ofspirally disposed holes therein, said holes'being packed with grease, said sleeve being slightly smaller in diameterthan said pressure ring, a packing ring of expansible material disposedupon said plunger rod above the said sleeve, a stop pin carried by saidplunger rod and adapted to engage said cap, to limit the movement ofsaid plunger, a coiled spring surrounding the end of said plunger rodand said cap, with the end thereof engaging the end of said plunger rodand a lug on said cap adapted to engage the other end of said coilwhereby said plunger is normally forced toward the inlet in said casing,all coacting substantially as described for the purpose specified.

3. In a relief valve, the combination of 'a cylindrical casing having aninlet at one end thereof and a by-pass at one side, said bypasscommunicating with said casing through a narrow slot formed in the sidewall of said casing, a cap closing one end of said cylindrical casing, aplunger rod having a bearing in said cap and provided with a shoulderadjacent one end thereof, a pressure ring of non-corrodible metaldisposed on said plunger rod and clamped against said shoulder, a leadsleeve disposed on said plunger rod above said pressure ring andprovided with a plurality of spirally disposed holes therein, said holesbeing packed with' grease, a packing ring of eXpansible materialdisposed upon said plunger rod above the said sleeve, a stop pin carriedby said plunger rod and adapted to engage said cap, to limit themovement of said plunger, a coiled spring surrounding the end of saidplunger rod and said cap, with the end thereof engaging the end of saidplunger rod and a lug on said cap adapted to engage the other end ofsaid coil whereby said plunger is norm-ally forced toward the inlet insaid casing, all coacting substantially as described for the purposespecified.

4. In a relief valve, the combination of a cylindrical casing having aninlet at one end thereof and a by-pass at one side, said .by-passcommunicating with said casing through a narrow slot formed in the sidewall of said casing, a cap closing one end of said cylindrical casing, aplunger rod having a bearing in said cap, a pressure ring ofnoncorrodible metal disposed on said plunger rod, a sleeve disposed onsaid plunger rod above said pressure ring, and provided with a pluralityof holes packed with grease, a packing ring of eXpansible materialdisposed upon said plunger rod above said sleeve, a stop pin carried bysaid plunger rod and adapted to engage said cap, to limit the movementof said plunger, a coiled spring surrounding the end of said plunger rodand said cap, with the end thereof engaging the end of said plunger rodand a lug on said cap adapted to engage the other end of coil wherebysaid plunger is normally forced toward the inlet in said casing, allcoacting substantially as described for the purpose speciied.

5. In a relief valve, the combination of a cylindrical casing having aninlet at one end thereof and a by-pass at one side, a cap closing oneend of said cylindrical casing, a plunger rod having a bearing in saidcap, a pressure ring of non-corrodible metal disposed on said plungerrod, a lubricating sleeve disposed on said plunger rod above saidpressure ring, a packing ring of expansible material disposed upon saidplunger rod above the said sleeve, a stop pin carried by said plungerrod and adapted to engage said cap, to limit the movement of saidplunger, a coiled spring surrounding the end of said plunger rod andsaid Cap, with the end thereof engaging the end of said plunger rod anda lug on said cap adapted to engage the other end of said coil wherebysaid plunger is normally forced toward said inlet in said casing, allcoacting substantially as described for the purpose specified.

6. In a relief valve, the combination of a piston valve with a suitablecasing, a stem for the said valve, a cap for the casing containing abearing through which said valve stem is disposed, and provided withoutwardly projecting lugs, a stop on the valve stem to limit its inwardmovement, and a coiled spring formed to engage the end of the valve stemanol adapted to engage by screw action the lugs on the valve cap foradjusting the tension thereof, coacting` for the purpose specified.

7. In a relief valve, the combination of a piston valve with a suitablecasing, a stem for the said valve, a cap for the casing through whichsaid valve stem is disposed, and provided with outwardly projectinglugs, a stop on the valve stem to limit its inward movement, and acoiled spring formed to engage the end of the valve stem and adapted toengage by screw action the lugs on the valve cap for adjusting thetension thereof, coacting for the purpose specified.

8. In a relief valve, the combination of a valve casing with a by-passopening at the side, a piston valve disposed therein comprising apressure ring of non-corrodible metal, fitting a shoulder on the saidvalve at its inner end, a sleeve of metal above said pressure ring`provided with lubricant pockets, an expansible packing ring above saidlubricant sleeve, screw-threaded members for compressing` the same, andpressure means for holding` said valve in closed position, as specified.

ln witness whereof, l have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presenceof two witnesses.

JACOB STEKETEE, BETH LONG.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ive cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patente, Washington, D. C.

